Geron Kees

Yep. I'm my own interstellar travel agency!

Ah, Mark. I knew there would be a chance at some point for Luke to hug his dad again! The thing with the car was pretty obvious, and I was waiting to see what it was. Sounds like Davo, though it could have been literally anyone who was aware of recent events in this story. I always had a fair disregard for people that take out their hatreds on other people's property as a method of revenge. Reminds me of toddlers destroying toys that irritate them. It's just paint, and can be fixed. The effects of it will last longer, though. Crap like this makes you wonder how human beings got to the top of the food chain here, but also explains itself at the same time. We are the meanest jerks at the party. I have faith in the author, though, that I will reach the end of this story, and be still able to smile. 😄

Nah. The old Uffie is in the shop, darn it. Apparently, the interstellar denullification module got shorted out with the reverse thrust confabulator, and the whole thing has turned into a rather large, multi-dimensional pretzel. They're working on it, but the prognosis is not good. We'll probably just serve it with beer at the next football game, and buy a new one.

Man! These guys can't catch a break! Tony is understandably immature and troubled. His mother out mooing in the field each evening probably terrifies him. Luke's mother made a slight error in bringing Margaret and her brood home with her. Hindsight, huh? People like Margaret can take their self-righteousness too far, and often do. She's going to be trouble. Seems to me though, that there is not a case against Matt here. One person's word against another is usually too little evidence to prosecute. That doesn't stop ambitious prosecutors from trying to do it, though. Luke's own recent troubles will not reflect well on the whole situation. I guess I'll have to wait and see? Rats! 😁

Tell us what you really think!

If I find out he's an alien and can wave his hand and get any guy he likes while also preparing Boeuf Bourguignon at the same time, I'm going to be disappointed!

Pete isn't the problem here. It's the attitudes of others, which we all know about. Especially today. Jimmy made an error, bringing Pete to meet his parents. Especially if he already knew his father was in 'angry' mode. Here's someone else going to jail over an anger issue. It's sad that Jimmy was hurt so badly, but at least no one was killed. If the homophobic element of this town didn't all know who Pete was before this, they sure will now. And, knowing how these people think, it's going to be Pete's fault, not theirs. Perhaps some interesting times ahead? Mitch sure has his timing down pat. But at his age, wisdom can be hard to come by, especially if it's not a part of one's nature to begin with. Good chapter!

Lotta guys like Mitch in this world. Pete was lucky to discover it early and get an education with a minimum of pain. He'll be better for it in the long run. Talking things out with Uncle George is a huge asset for him. Having friends like Bobby doesn't hurt, either. Great chapter, Al!

A period of adjustment for Luke, and a difficult one. He has to get past the feeling that he is doing something wrong and needs to be embarrassed about it. But that's easy to say, and a lot tougher to do. Matt seems to be helping him manage things, so far. I wasn't surprised that dad showed up again. He's had time to think, too. Reacting emotionally to any situation comes with penalties. He seems to be realizing now what it cost him. There may be time for that to work out by the end of this tale. It would be nice if Luke could hug his dad again. Tony seems to present himself already as having some secrets of his own. In reference to Weinerdog's post above, Ponyboy (Curtis) was also a character in S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, made into a movie with a very appealing C. Thomas Howell in the role of Ponyboy. I remember this so well because I was 15 when that movie was made, and had a minor crush on Howell, who was about the same age. Ah, memories! Great chapter, Mark. Well done!

Sad to say it seems so!

It's been said that the average IQ of the human race is 100. Lately, I've been feeling that's a bit optimistic.

I don't want to make the mistake of saying this wonderful little story is over, because more is promised. So I am just saying that this first installment is a fun little jaunt into a slightly offbeat region of the imagination that will remind most older readers of something in their own youthful years that will cause them to smile. And perhaps give them a reason to root for the main characters, who are just getting started themselves!

A very enjoyable story! I have always enjoyed tales centering around bars and the odd inhabitants that frequent them. Little slices of almost alternate realities, in some cases, and this one set in a familiar past-time. I was 16 in 1983, and that Marshal Tucker tune was just becoming an oldie-but-goodie! You have filled your bar with some likable characters (except for Tommy, who rightfully went out with the trash), and I'd like to see more. I will take you at your word there will be another chapter! Mikey and Zippy seem to be pair made for more than one chapter, anyway!

I don't see any reason to assume from a single instance that Mitch is off being unfaithful. Peter shouldn't be the only one with things happening in his life that doesn't directly involve the other. I'm willing to wait and see! Circumstances often bring to light young talents, and allow them to grow early. But it's one thing to have a talent, and another to love to use it. Peter has time! Another great chapter. But I do feel like something is simmering on the back of the stove that we have yet to sample!

I should mention that the worldwide perception that all Americans are raised with guns is absolutely false. The notion gets far more play than it deserves. Millions of Americans do not own a single gun of any kind, nor do they hunt, or target shoot, or do anything involving guns. Since 1972, the starting year of the last stats I looked at (and up to 2024), gun ownership here has been hovering between 45% and 47%. Yes, that's a fair amount. In a nation of just over 340 million people, that's a lot of hardware. But it also reminds that 180+ million (a majority, actually) Americans have nothing to do with guns. I do feel that they should be acknowledged, too.

Aww! So much for the pizza we were having for dinner!

I have to agree, considering how many people have been locked up already, how a mindset of revenge without thought to the consequences can still exist among Carl's friends. Some human beings absolutely lack a connection between cause and effect. Or, they consider the age-old human need to 'get even' ascendant to their own well-being. Anyone even half-assed at math can see that getting 'even' almost always costs much more than it brings in.

There are distinct cultural differences between parts of America, too!

Excellent chapter. Luke's mom has as much said that Luke's dad had a similar bout of violence in the past. His anger has a cause. Such breaks may be uncommon for him, but this one has an as yet invisible reason. I expect we'll get to that at some point? Davo was really out of line, but being drunk is only a release for true feelings, so what is happening inside him? It's sad that a friend can suddenly become an enemy, but it does happen. Where is this going to go? Despite the ups and downs happening here, there is an underlying sense of sanity to this tale. It feels real. And, it's progressing in definite steps that feel natural. I'm left wondering how much of your own past is in here? Most writers go fishing in home waters first! Either way, it's one of the better stories I have read in ages. Thanks!

Ah, well. The last chapter was catalytic, I see. And, we can't forget how complex emotions can become among any group of people. I tend to forget, because my own teen years were easy, that for many, they were horrible. You've done a great job of reminding me that it can really be tough to be young and gay. I should have been more sympathetic towards Luke, who felt he was hurting and meant no harm. This was a very good chapter, and it needed the last chapter to happen. Progress. I hope Luke is going to learn to duck, because I don't want to see him hurt again!

Well...that didn't go well. Luke did just about everything wrong there he possibly could have done wrong. The interlude at the urinals is getting close to blasphemy. You cheat on your guy with a perfect stranger because you're mad at him??? There is feeling sorry for yourself, and then there is just being plain stupid. I find it hard to believe, after all his anguish, that he would be caught dead anywhere near the toilets at the park at all! Piss in the damn bushes, for crying out loud! But, when you're young, emotions are slippery things to handle. It's easy to fall into the well of misery and drown. For that, his actions can be understood. This is a big setback, though. I have to get to the next chapter and see what happens!

Sounds like an idyllic place the guys found to set up camp. Is this Thompsonville a real place you have been to before? It sounds like it would be worth the airfare to OZ! Matt and Luke seem made for each other. Matt has become strong after his initial fears, and he's strong enough for both of them while Luke still navigates his own way out towards the light. The party set up really was sweet. I've been to a few nudes beaches myself, in Nederlands. Once you get the hang of it, it is very liberating. Nothing like the feeling there is absolutely nothing left to hide! I'll be back fro more as soon as possible. Can't let THIS story get cold!

Wonderful chapter. Adjustments, adjustments. And a surprise cup of coffee from Chris' dad. I hope that means we'll be seeing him again. There is no one more supportive of young gays than the oldheads who had it so much tougher. The setting is just exotic enough to feel 'different', while the people and their thoughts and worries are very familiar. The chapters are comfortably long and engrossing, and it's going to take me a while to catch up! I'll have to read more of your writing, down the line!

I plan to read all of it. I go through periods of time in my business that take ALL my time, and have to wait for a lull to get in some reading time again. Sorry to have put you on hold, but there just is no way I can't finish this story!

I guess stupidity and bigotry go hand-in-hand. That Chilton would even dare such a thing after what had happened already is absolutely incredible. But it does seem that haters think with something other than the brains the rest of us use. Must be tough to be all lizard brain and nothing else? Now we know what happened with Jordan and Uncle George. Incredible to think that some people will do anything to get back at others that don't do what they want. I never understood people who felt that any perceived slight was worthy of all out war. A trenchant look at a timely problem. Thanks.